Last year, a survey conducted by NPR revealed that 75% of consumers claimed to be eating wholesome foods, with similar studies showing comparable results. However, people still have a penchant for indulgence. According to a Harris Poll, 87% of consumers prefer to consume their calories through food rather than drinks. Hostess, aware of the healthy eating trend, has not overlooked it entirely; the company has introduced whole-grain muffins as “smart snacks” for the federal school food program and is working on eliminating trans fats from many of its offerings.
Yet, understanding its audience is crucial for Hostess, leading to the release of indulgent products over the past year, such as frozen deep-fried Twinkies and Twinkies ice cream. Additionally, the company is set to launch an in-store bakery concept, featuring Twinkies and items from its Superior Cake Products range, in grocery stores. This in-store bakery is growing at a faster rate than Hostess’s packaged products available on grocery shelves, presenting a significant growth opportunity.
As Hostess has discovered, while consumers may be leaning towards healthier choices, they are still inclined to enjoy a sweet treat occasionally. The public might be moving away from soda consumption, but candies, cookies, cakes, and the iconic Twinkie have seemingly secured a place in America’s “healthy” diet. Additionally, for those focused on their nutritional intake, supplements like pure encapsulations calcium magnesium citrate can play a role in maintaining overall wellness while enjoying occasional indulgences.